Empowering Positive Change

Drop in Area at Insight

The Key Work Room at Insight

About Us

Who we are

Insight Platform is a Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered service, located in the heart of Tottenham, that provides support to children, young people and families who are living with or are affected by drug or alcohol misuse in the London Borough of Haringey.

Insight Platform is part of Blenheim, a leading charity that provides support to drug and alcohol users, their family and carers. Blenheim have a number of recovery services running across London providing, free, friendly, non-judgmental, specialised support and treatment. To find out more about Blenheim, and its services please visit their website: http://blenheimcdp.org.uk/

What we do

Insight Platform provides services for three cohorts within the borough of Haringey; Children & Families, Young People, and Professionals.

Children & Families

We work with parents who misuse substances and their children by providing a specialised family orientated service that aims to minimise drug and alcohol related harm to families. The service offer a range of parenting and support programmes to enhance resilience and protective factors in children and young people that improve the health, welfare and life chances of the whole family. The service uses ‘strengths based’ interventions and ‘whole family’ approaches where the child’s needs, wellbeing and safety is paramount.

Young People

We work with young people who require support and information about their own or a family members substance misuse problems. The service provides age appropriate, creative, educational and holistic interventions to young people from 12-21 years of age who live in Haringey or are attending school in the borough.

Professionals

We offer professionals and partner agencies, a variety of in depth and current presentations, consultancy and training packages on substance misuse, hidden harm, families and parenting work as well as participating in joint working ventures.

Our Services

Psychosocial Interventions

At Insight Platform we provide a variety of psychosocial interventions, which take into consideration both the psychological and social aspects of an individual’s experiences, development and environment.Some of the psychosocial interventions we provide include: structured group work, cognitive behavioural therapy, motivational interviewing, complementary therapies, psychoeducational sessions, parenting workshops, family support, counselling, drop in services, key work sessions, peer support groups, hidden harm work and much more.

We pride ourselves on having variety of different ways of working so we can tailor an individual’s care plan to meet their unique needs and circumstances which will support them in overcoming the challenges in their lives.

Key Work Sessions

We offer weekly or bi weekly, confidential one to one key work sessions to young people and parents who are residents in Haringey, and are affected directly or indirectly by substance misuse related issues. Sessions take place at our service in Tottenham or in other satellite locations within Haringey. The sessions will not only focus on substance misusing behaviours and associated risks, but also the impact this may be having on an individuals emotional wellbeing, physical health, and social environment.

Once a young person/parent is referred to our service, a key worker is allocated, who will invite the individual for their first meeting, where an initial assessment will be carried out. Ongoing sessions will focus on supporting the individual to work towards their goals by providing, age appropriate practical and emotional support, advice, information.

Family Support Service

We provide an open access “Families in Recovery” service to families in Haringey who are affected directly or indirectly by substance misuse related issues.

Sessions take place at our service in Tottenham or in other designated locations within Haringey. Our Family Support Service not only focuses on parental substance misusing behaviours and associated risks, but also how this may impact on their ability to meet their child’s needs and how this interplays within the wider community.

Once a family is referred we will complete an assessment, which identifies risks and strengths within the family. We will then put together an individual support plan, to address additional needs and work together with the family to achieve desired outcomes and goals.

Hidden Harm Support

‘Hidden Harm’ is the term used to describe the harm caused to children, from a parent or care giver, who has problematic drugs and/or alcohol usage.

‘There are between 250,000 and 350,000 children of problem drug users in the UK’ *, Our hidden harm work acknowledges and supports the voice of the child/young person through; 1 to 1 interventions and peer support sessions, with the aim of supporting them to develop their resilience, emotional intelligence and improve family dynamics.

Harm Minimisation

Harm minimisation does not condone drug or alcohol use, it is an approach that acknowledges that some people are not yet ready to make change, or are at the beginning of their recovery journey, and therefore works to reduce or prevent drug related harm. An example of this could take the form of supporting a service user to use substances more safely, to avoid the spread of infectious diseases, other health related harms or reduce potential for accidental overdose. Harm minimisation is often used alongside other psychosocial interventions that aim to build and strengthen motivation and confidence to make positive change.

Relapse Prevention

Relapse prevention (RP) is a coping-focused tool that strives to teach people skills to help them avoid relapsing back to using drugs and/or alcohol.

Goals of a relapse prevention program include:

Teaching coping skills to allow people in recovery to “identify, anticipate, avoid and/or cope” with high risk situations (for relapse)

Supporting individuals in recovery learn how to keep a single ‘lapse’ from turning into a multiple ‘relapse’ situation.

Supporting individuals to feel as though he or she is really capable of controlling his or her own behavior.

Satellite Outreach Work

Our satellite outreach work aims to provide an opportunity for all young people, parents and children the ability to access our service who might not otherwise have access to.

We offer; one to one key work sessions in all primary and secondary schools in the borough,
advice and information stalls at various community events in Haringey, one to one or group general advice and information sessions and workshops within local colleges and further education establishments.

Complementary Therapies

We offer Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture and Reflexology as a way to relax and unwind for individuals engaged with our service.

Auricular acupuncture involves inserting needles into specific pressure points on the ear, which when stimulated promote healing in other areas of the body. Reflexology is the combination of massage and application of pressure to particular points on the feet or hands, which are believed to correspond with different organs in the body. Both of these methods are proven to be effective for assisting recovery from addictions, and reducing stress.

Events & Activities

We offer a range of events and activities for children, young people and families throughout the year. We hold a variety of themed family day events around Easter, Halloween, and Christmas, which are coincided with the school holidays to ensure everyone can get involved. Every year we have an extensive summer programme for children and young people to attend with a variety of activities, from trips to local museums to arts and craft within the centre. We also offer regular coffee mornings, wellbeing themed days, and group workshops for parents.

Targeted Awareness Workshops

As part of the prevention strategy we deliver workshops to those engaged with the service who are; at risk of using substances, using substances, affected by another’s substance misuse or caring for a substance misuser. We cover a variety of specific issues including; risky substance misuse, unprotected sex, gang affiliation, self- harming and parenting. The aim of these workshops is to raise awareness about different drugs and alcohol, short and long term effects, dangers and risks, and how we may support a family member or friend whom is using substances.

To find out more about different drugs and alcohol and the effects on the body please click the link to read our fact sheets, http://blenheimcdp.org.uk/get-information/

Multiagency Working

Partnership working and engagement with professionals from other disciplines is the cornerstone of delivering comprehensive care that addresses the varying and complex needs of clients. As such Insight Platform has built close alliances with the statutory and voluntary sector agencies within the borough, notably:

Children Social Care

Youth Services

Family Support

Children Services

Youth Provisions

CAMHS (Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services)

Schools

Children Centres

Probation

Adult Substance Misuse Treatment Services

Probation

Youth Offending Service

Vulnerable Adult Team

Our culture of multi agency and collaborative working is embedded through established professional networks which seek to support the health and social care needs and expressed wishes of service users

Consultation and Training for Professionals

The staff team at Insight Platform provide a variety of consultancy and training packages for professionals including:

General advice, information and guidance to other professionals in relation to substance use and impact on children, young people, carers and families.

Quality bespoke training packages to partner agencies, both statutory and non statutory, which aim to embed and promote local safeguarding protocols for working with substance misusing parents. Such training will assist to develop a skilled and confident external workforce better able to direct appropriate referrals to Insight Platform or sign post to specialist support agencies.

Commonly Asked Questions

How can Insight Platform help me?

Insight Platform can provide practical and emotional support for children, young people up to the age of 21, and families who reside in the borough of Haringey whom are affected directly or indirectly by substance misuse related issues. We provide free confidential advice and support around drugs and alcohol, however we also offer advice and information around; sexual health, employment, parenting, gang affiliation, education and more.

If you feel that you need support or you are affected by someone else’s substance use, please give us a call in confidence on 0208 493 8525

How can I refer to Insight Platform?

You can self refer to Insight or a professional can refer on your behalf. You can do this by calling us on 0208- 493- 8525 or email us at insightplatform@blenhiemcdp.org.uk with a fully completed referral form (below).

If you have any queries regarding a referral or the referral form, please do not hesitate to contact us directly to discuss further.

What other services do you offer?

Here at Insight Platform we offer a variety of services including; one to one key working sessions, drop in services, crèche facilities, complimentary therapies, family trips and events, parenting workshops, drug and alcohol awareness workshops, consultation and training for professionals, counselling, CV workshops, sign posting to other organisations and much more.

What will happen at my first appointment?

At your initial appointment at Insight Platform you will meet with an allocated key worker and discuss how the service can support you. Your key worker will conduct an initial assessment which will provide them with a clear picture of your needs, and give you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have. During the session you and your key worker will also devise a collaborative care plan that will help achieve your goals. Once this has been agreed a 2nd appointment will be booked in the diary for you to begin your engagement with Insight Platform.

Will my sessions be confidential?

At Insight Platform we recognise the importance of confidentiality being fundamental to the care and treatment of service users. Our service users have the right to expect discretion and sensitivity and be aware of their rights regarding confidentiality and any limitations*.

Confidentiality – A service user who accesses any of the services provided by Insight Platform can be confident that any information divulged will only be used for the purpose for which it was disclosed and will not be shared with anyone externally without their consent.

Limitations – At Insight Platform we take our service users privacy seriously, however there are a few exceptions to our confidentiality clause in which we would be required by law to breach confidentiality. These are:

– Where there is a serious concern that a service user, another person or people are at risk of significant harm including harm to a child or children.
– When instructed by a court, or in certain limited circumstances by the police acting on the authority of the courts, to reveal information.
– Where there is a statutory obligation to disclose information, for example to the Serious Fraud Office or in relation to the Drug Trafficking Offences Act.

Where is Insight Platform located?

Insight Platform is located in the heart of Tottenham, a five minute walk from White Hart Lane over ground station and 10 minutes by bus from Seven Sisters underground station. We are located at; 40 Bromley Road, which is opposite Tottenham Community sports centre on Tottenham High Road.

What are your opening hours?

Insight Platform is open 5 days a week Monday to Friday. Our opening times are:

Testimonials

“Since coming to insight my life has changed for the better! All the staff are so supportive and genuinely care about the wellbeing of their clients. New opportunities have opened up for me and the right things are happening. Insight have helped me to get to know myself, get back into education, and find my zest for life again!” – *Samuel (Parent)

“We have been working with Insight Platform for about five years now and their contribution has been integral to the pastoral support in the school during this time. Without this support many of the students would have struggled. The practitioners have been exemplary in their professionalism and in engaging and supporting the students within our care at Fortismere School – Fortimsmere School – Learning Mentors.

“When I was referred to Insight Platform I initially didn’t think it would make a difference to my life, however my key worker was absolutely amazing which allowed me to let my guard down and realise the roots of my issues. From the first session I was convinced that I could make some positive changes and progress to getting on the right track. I still have some low days like most people but I now know how to control my triggers and can live a normal life” – *Lucy (age 19)

“My key worker was one of the best workers I’ve ever worked with and has helped me so much and has always been there for me” – *Martin (age 15)

“Insight Platform have been visiting our school for a number of years. The workers have always exuded confidence in their work and displayed high quality morals and character in their work. We are highly impressed with their intelligence and scholastic trend of mind, which make us as a school always confident when calling upon their high principles for proper conduct when needed. We would like to express our sincere appreciation for the amount of work that Insight Platform has done with both the staff and students at Greig City Academy and look forward to the continuation of working together. ” – Greig City Academy – Assistant Head of Year 10 & Learning Mentor

“I think my keyworker is one of the realist out there that I know, she is the top don, always dishing out the honest truth and trying to put people in good directions. She is super cool and understanding. I can talk to her about anything and everything with reassurance that I will get a caring and honest reaction. She is one of the people I would go to instead of many others when I am in a situation. When I am in need of real good advice I can talk to her and be sure that she will never judge me. I love talking to her she has helped me so much, she is someone who listens to me ramble on about what is bothering me and what I get up to.” – *Rosie (age 18)

“Students have always engaged really well with the Insight Platform satellite service. The practitioners calm and confident manner allows students to feel at ease, giving them the opportunity to talk about themselves without fear of being judged, while also encouraging them to making better life choices.” – Highgate Wood – Learning Mentor

“On a scale from 1 – 10 I rate this service at 8 because I think it has helped me to get more confident and it has helped me to find different ways to share my feelings.” – *Sharon (age 10)

“The family groups and support I have received at Insight Platform has been so positive. It has helped me to relate to my children better and create firmer boundaries with them which was difficult work to begin with but has paid off. The family events have also helped me to build a stronger bond with my children. I am so happy that I came to Insight, prior to this I thought things would just be difficult forever but now I know that’s not the truth and simple changes have made such a difference for my whole family.” – *Chantelle (Parent)

*All client names have been c hanged to maintain confidentiality

Useful Links

Substances

Adfam – National charity working to improve life for families affected by drugs and alcohol. www.adfam.org.uk

Blenheim – Leading charity providing support to drug and alcohol users, their family and carers. www.blenheimcdp.org.uk

Haringey Advisory Group on Alcohol (HAGA) – Support service for those affected by alcohol. www.haga.co.uk